If you’ve been invited to a funeral home to attend a wake or viewing, then you may have questions about how best to show your sympathy and respect to the grieving family. One thing that many people worry about when attending this type of event is what to say to the family. The following are a few phrases that you can feel comfortable saying at a wake:

“I’m sorry for your loss.” While this phrase may seem cliché, it offers you a simple way to express that you care and to communicate your empathy when you are otherwise at a loss for words.

“This must be very hard for you.” Acknowledging the pain that the deceased individual’s family is going through can be very comforting.

“He/she will be missed.” Confirming that the deceased has left a tangible sense of loss can be consoling for the grieving family.

If you have more questions about wake etiquette or need to arrange burial or cremation services in Tucson, then please reach out to Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery . You can call (520) 888-7470 to speak with a member of our funeral home’s experienced staff.

While it’s common for people to shy away from the thought of planning their funeral services in advance, funeral pre-planning is a service that can offer you several benefits. If you are new to this process, then watch this video to learn what you should know about funeral pre-planning.

Many funeral homes offer pre-planning services. Before you take advantage of these options, however, it’s important to determine if there is any insurance provided in case the funeral home goes out of business. Also, consider writing down your funeral preferences and distributing your wishes to your family, which can save them time and money later.

At our funeral home in Tucson, Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery offers many funeral and burial services, including funeral pre-planning . If you would like to find out more, then please call us today at (520) 888-7470.

When you’re planning a funeral service for a loved one or doing funeral pre-planning for yourself, it’s important to feel like you have the freedom to create a ceremony that truly reflects the person who is gone. Many people are relieved to learn that funerals do not have to be religious and can instead be humanist. Planning a humanist funeral simply means informing the funeral home about your wishes up-front so they can help you choose the right celebrant and choose the best ceremony option for your needs. Watch this video to learn more.

At Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery, our goal is to help every family honor their loved one in a personal and meaningful way. Learn more about how we can help you in your time of need by calling our funeral home in Tucson at (520) 888-7470.

Cremation has a much longer history than many people imagine. The practice dates back to the Stone Age and has been popular in different forms in different civilizations ever since. Today, people of many faiths and backgrounds choose cremation, and many families opt for shared cremation memorials over shared family burial plots. Here is a closer look at the long history of cremation.

Ancient Cremation Most historians estimate that cremation started around 3000 B.C. in the Stone Age in Europe and the Near East, based on urns recovered from that time period. By around 1000 B.C, cremation moved in the British Isles, Ireland, and Northern Europe. There is evidence that cremation cemeteries were present in modern-day Hungary and Italy during this time. Both Greek and Roman civilizations heavily embraced cremation, even as early Christians and Jews objected to the practice. However, the Christianization of the European Empire under Constantine around 400 A.D. led to a decline in the popularity of cremation for a period of several centuries, except when necessary because of war or illness.

Return to Popularity In the late 1800s, cremation’s popularity rebounded significantly, thanks to the development of a cremation chamber and an increased understanding of the health risks associated with improper burials. During this time period, cremation became popular throughout Europe and across North America.

Modern Cremation Today, cremation is popular in most parts of the world. It is accepted by many faiths and embraced by people for a number of different reasons, from cost to a desire to be eco-friendly. Choosing cremation does not mean that you can’t have a funeral service or memorial ceremony—in many cases, such a service is still held.

If you have questions about cremation, call Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery. We can explain your options for cremation and how to incorporate it in the kind of funeral service in Tucson that you hope to have. To learn more, call (520) 888-7470.

There is never an instance in which losing a loved one is easy, but when a death occurs suddenly, there is an extra layer of confusion, shock, and sadness that you have to process. Anytime you lose a loved one, it is important to reach out for grief support to help you during this difficult time, and that is especially true in the case of a sudden loss. Here are some things that you need to know if you are faced with the abrupt loss of a loved one.

Your feelings are normal. The way you feel after losing a loved one suddenly is normal. The way you feel about the loss may change from day to day, or even hour to hour, and that is OK as well. After a loss, some people feel profound sadness that makes them unable to cope with their everyday activities. Some people feel anger at their loved one for leaving them. Other people try to avoid the loss and throw themselves into work or another distraction. All of these feelings and behaviors are normal. Your way of working through grief is your own, and it can’t be replicated or judged by anyone else.

You have a right to feel cheated. There is no good way to lose a loved one, but it is natural to feel like you were cheated out of the chance to say goodbye. There is evidence that people who lose a loved one to a prolonged illness experience some of their grieving before the person is gone, so the period after the loss is different than it is for those who lose a loved one unexpectedly. You have a right to feel angry or frustrated that you were robbed of that opportunity.

You have support. You are never alone when you are coping with grief. There are support groups that are specifically for people who experienced sudden loss that could be helpful. Counseling may also help you understand your feelings. When you need help, ask for it.

After the tragic death of a loved one, Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery can provide the assistance you need to plan funeral services and make decisions about burial and cremation. We also offer extensive grief support services in Tucson. You can reach our funeral home at (520) 888-7470.

A funeral service is not the end of mourning but rather the beginning. Grief is an unpredictable feeling that can’t be rushed or ignored. If you are struggling with grief, help is available. At Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery, we’re pleased to offer grief support services in several ways, including daily affirmations.

Daily affirmations are part of our 365 Days of Grief Support program. Every day, you will receive an email that contains a message of hope and support to help you cope with your feelings one day at a time. Each affirmation is a reminder that you are not alone.

Help is available from Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery in Tucson as you face the process of saying goodbye to a loved one. From assistance with funeral services to grief support after the ceremony, we will be by your side. Contact us to find out more by calling (520) 888-7470 today.

Funeral ceremonies are solemn affairs. It’s essential to dress in an appropriately formal, somber manner to convey your respect for the decedent and the bereaved family. For ladies, this means selecting a conservative suit or dress to wear to the funeral home.

When you watch this featured video, you’ll get some essential tips on choosing the right outfit and accessories to avoid calling attention to yourself. Avoid open-toed shoes, flashy jewelry, and heavy makeup. Always leave your cellphone in your car or at home.

After the loss of a loved one, your family might decide that interment in a cemetery is an appropriate choice. There are several respectful ways to honor your loved one with a personalized memorial . This site within a peaceful memorial park provides a gathering place for family and friends to celebrate the life of your loved one.

Traditional In-Ground Burial

Many families prefer traditional in-ground burial. Your loved one’s burial site will be marked with a beautiful upright headstone or flat grave marker. Cemeteries often devote much of their land to sections for traditional in-ground burials. You can expect serene, well-groomed landscaping to surround your loved one’s final resting place. Ask the cemetery representative about special burial sections, such as areas for veterans, people of certain faiths, and members of fraternal organizations like the Masons. Your family may wish to purchase multiple burial plots at the same time. Eventually, close family members can share the same hallowed ground.

Private Family Estates Private family estates are a popular choice for families who wish to remain as close in death as they were in life. Each area is designated for one family and can accommodate multiple burials, including both cremated remains and traditional burials.

Lawn Crypts Although spouses often choose to rest side-by-side within companion sites, there is another option. Lawn crypts are double-depth burial sites that accommodate two decedents . Not only are lawn crypts a thoughtful way to demonstrate the closeness of the relationship, but they are also a cost-effective option.

Above-Ground Entombment Another option is interment above the ground. Your family may wish to consider making arrangements for a private mausoleum, which is a graceful, permanent structure within a memorial park. Private mausoleums reflect the legacy of the whole family.

All of these respectful options are available at Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery. It’s our mission to guide your family in choosing the personalized memorials in Tucson that reflect the true personality of your loved one. Call our funeral home at (520) 888-7470 with any questions you may have.

Even if you’ve worked hard, long hours to support your family, you should consider taking one more step to support them after your death. Funeral pre-planning services allow you to make your own final arrangements, even if you’re in good health. By planning your funeral in advance, you’ll relieve your loved ones of the burden of making difficult decisions while they are emotionally distraught. It’s difficult to think clearly after the loss of a family member. Funeral pre-planning eliminates this problem.

Planning your own funeral also prevents family conflicts. After your death, one surviving family member might be convinced that you would have wanted to be cremated, while another may argue that you preferred a traditional burial. By specifying your own preferences in advance, you can support the strength of your loved ones’ relationships long after your death.

The caring professionals at Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery offer comprehensive funeral pre-planning support in Tucson. Give us a call today at (520) 888-7470 and let us know how we can help you.

Even if you’ve also experienced the loss of someone close to you, it’s impossible to know exactly what your grieving friend is experiencing. Grief is different for every person. Your friend may move through a spectrum of difficult emotions. At the funeral home, your friend might seem numb or detached from reality. At the reception, he or she might be inconsolably sad. Your friend may even experience conflicting emotions simultaneously. Because grief is unique to each mourner, it’s necessary to adjust your approach to grief support to suit him or her.

Know What Not to Say It’s quite common for people to inadvertently say the wrong things to grieving friends. Despite your good intentions, it’s easy to cause offense by saying things like, “I know what you’re going through.” Your grieving friend may interpret this statement to mean that his or her grief isn’t as significant because everyone experiences it. Additionally, avoid the following remarks:

“Your loved one is in a better place.”

“At least he or she isn’t suffering any longer.”

“It’s time to move on with your life.”

“You’ll feel better with time.”

Try to avoid starting sentences with “You should” or “You will.” These sentences are too direct and instructional. Instead, you might offer suggestions. Try saying, “Have you considered joining a support group? If you don’t want to go alone, I would go with you.”

Know What to Say Knowing what to say is trickier than knowing what not to say. It’s often appropriate to tell a grieving friend that you’re not sure what to say, but you are sincerely sorry for the loss. Since you undoubtedly want to help your friend, it may be tempting to offer unsolicited advice. But quite often, you can best help a grieving friend by remaining silently encouraging and letting him or her do the talking.

At Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery, it’s important to us that you never feel alone during your time of grief. We invite you to explore our grief support services in Tucson, which are available 24/7 on our website. When it’s time to make funeral service decisions, you can call us at (520) 888-7470.